Binjharpuri is a dual-purpose breed, indigenous to the Binjharpur area in the Jajpur district of Orissa. This breed is also known as “Deshi”. These cattle are mainly found in the Binjharpur, Bari, Sujanpur and Dasarathpur area of Jajpur District. They are also found in the adjoining Kendrapara and Bhadrak districts of Orissa where the region is mainly coastal plain and some saline zones.
These cattle are maintained for milk and manure, and also for draught purposes. These cattle are heat and drought tolerant. They are excellent draught animals, and are very active in agricultural operations. Maximum number of small and also landless farmers in Orissa maintain these cattle on account of their unique utility value.
These cattle are housed in sheds made of thatched roof with ‘kutcha’ floor. The walls of the shed are made of bamboo sticks, palm or coconut leaves, thus making the sheds well ventilated.
The study on “Survey, evaluation and characterization of the Binjharpuri breed, made by Orissa Livestock Resources Development Society(OLRDS), strongly advocates for improvement of this breed through selective breeding for the benefit of the farmers. This effort happens to be the first of its kind in the country towards practical conservation and improvement of newly registered native cattle germ-plasm.
CowCare.Org marches ahead in its endeavour to conserve our native Indian breeds of cattle.
As is the case with the other native Indian cattle breeds, the Binjharpuri population is also steadily dwindling. The Binjharpuri Breed Promoters’ Society has been formed for the conservation of this breed.
Measures to boost its milk production is also underway. Lately, the State Government has started a project for conserving this native breed under the Odisha Bovine Breeding Policy, 2015.
